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News
John Collins discusses the possibility of Celtic appointing John Kennedy permanently
that it would be a “big ask” for John Kennedy to prove a success if he was given the Celtic job permanently, as he remains in interim charge at Parkhead following the resignation of Neil Lennon last month.
Kennedy, 37, has taken caretaker charge in Celtic’s last two matches – masterminding a 1-0 win over Aberdeen and then a 0-0 draw with Dundee United which saw Rangers end Celtic’s pursuit of 10 in a row, handing the title to Rangers.
Plenty of managers have been linked with Celtic – including Michael O’Neill, Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Enzo Maresca. Of course, Kennedy is also in the frame given he remains in interim charge at Parkhead. But Collins is against that idea.
He believes that given Kennedy has no managerial experience beforehand, that if he is to get the Celtic job – he needs to leave now, get experience somewhere and then return. However, he did label Kennedy a “terrific coach”.
“He was with me and Ronny and Brendan speaks very highly of him,” “He’s got vast experience on the training pitch. There’s no doubt he’s a terrific coach. John is a very calm, calculated individual. I think he speaks very well in press conferences.
“But, at this moment in time, it’s a risk because he hasn’t been a manager before. I think probably his best bet would be to go somewhere else and get experience, and maybe come back. But for him to jump into the seat just now I think is a big ask.”
TBR’s view – Celtic need a different manager than Kennedy
As Collins says, Kennedy is a brilliant coach – excellent on the training ground, but lacks the experience and know how of leading a team as the main man. Celtic need a manager that has been there and done it, but is a big name.
Just look at Rangers. They brought in Steven Gerrard and his arrival saw the Gers massively improve in the transfer window, bringing big names like Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, Jermain Defoe, Allan McGregor and more to Ibrox.
Celtic need a manager that can attract players. Kennedy won’t do that.
